The stakes couldn't be higher for the Orlando Magic as they head into a must-win Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, but they'll have to do it without one of their biggest stars. Franz Wagner has officially been ruled out for the decisive matchup, marking his third straight absence due to a right calf strain.

The injury news came Saturday via the NBA's official availability report, just a day before the tip-off in Detroit (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC). Wagner last played in Game 4 on Monday, where he exited late in the third quarter with 19 points after appearing to tweak his calf. Since then, the Magic have struggled mightily without their versatile forward, dropping both Game 5 and Game 6 to the Pistons—games that ultimately forced this winner-take-all showdown.

For Pistons fans, this is a welcome break. Detroit has capitalized on Wagner's absence, with unexpected heroes like Paul Reed stepping up in Game 6 to keep their season alive. The Pistons now have a golden opportunity to close out the series at home against a Magic team that's clearly missing its offensive engine.

Wagner, who played two seasons at the University of Michigan, has been a cornerstone for Orlando all season, averaging over 20 points per game and providing critical playmaking. His absence not only hurts the Magic's scoring but also their defensive versatility, as he's often tasked with guarding multiple positions.

As both teams prepare for Sunday's high-pressure contest, the question remains: Can the Magic rally without their star, or will the Pistons ride their momentum to a series victory? One thing's for sure—this Game 7 just got a whole lot more interesting.